Dave Rosenbarger

Skiing Ambassador

Hometown

Gresham, Oregon

Resides

Chamonix France

We are saddened today to give you the tragic news that Patagonia ski ambassador Dave Rosenbarger—“American Dave” as we knew him—died on Friday, January 23, 2015 when he was caught in an avalanche while skiing on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc Massif. Dave has been a part of the Patagonia family since 2010. Our hearts go out to Dave’s family and friends. He was an inspiration to many and his loss will be felt around the world.

Dave’s life-long dedication to skiing began at age 8 when he realized skiing wasn’t a once-a-year activity, but something to do whenever he had free time. For years he skied throughout North America until the desire for steeper and bigger lines led him to Chamonix, France. On top of the countless hours he logged in the Alps, Dave also made descents in Norway, Peru, Bolivia and Antarctica.

“He was the epitome of a pure passion skier—someone who didn’t do it for the cameras or for the limelight—and was deeply committed to the sport for all of the right reasons. Dave was a calculated risk taker and a talented athlete who dedicated his life to climbing and skiing some of the most challenging lines in the world, especially in Chamonix, his winter home. Dave was known for having an effortless style while skiing in steep and precarious places but also for his infectious glowing personality. He contributed to our Patagonia family in so many ways. He had a natural eye for product design and became one of our most articulate and valued product testers. He was beloved by fellow ambassadors, a friend to all and the catalyst for many powder-laden Chamonix adventures. Dave was one of a kind and will be deeply missed.”